Lyon Himan "Chaim" Green, later known as Lorne Greene, was born on February 12, 1915, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. This notable figure began his acting career while attending Queen's University in Canada, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success. Upon graduation, Greene secured a job in radio broadcasting, which ultimately led to his recognition as Canada's top newscaster, thanks to his distinctive, rich, and authoritative voice.
As his fame grew, Greene made the bold decision to leave Canada in the early 1950s to pursue a film career in Hollywood. This strategic move proved to be a wise one, as he soon found himself appearing regularly in television shows, films, and radio broadcasts. His most notable and enduring successes came in two iconic television series: the long-running Western drama Bonanza (1959),in which he played the patriarch of a wealthy frontier family, and the science-fiction series Battlestar Galactica (1978).
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the performing arts and community, Greene was awarded the prestigious title of Officer of the Order of Canada in 1969. This esteemed honor is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his craft.
Tragically, Lorne Greene's life came to an abrupt end on September 11, 1987, at the age of 72, due to complications from pneumonia following heart surgery in Santa Monica, California. Despite his untimely passing, Greene's legacy continues to live on, inspiring new generations of actors, filmmakers, and performers.